In this episode, I chat with Ben Westerby, a fractional FD and business mentor who’s built a strong personal brand by doing something most people avoid… just showing up. Ben shares what it was like before LinkedIn became part of his routine, when he was barely posting, low on confidence, and unsure what to say. If that sounds familiar, you’re going to see yourself in this conversation straight away.

We get into what actually changed. Not theory. Not hacks. Just simple, consistent action. Ben talks about how posting regularly, sharing a mix of personal and professional content, and yes, even telling dad jokes on a Friday helped him stand out. We also unpack the moment video came into play, why it felt uncomfortable at first, and how that discomfort quickly turned into confidence. There’s a great reminder here that content doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be real.

What’s really interesting is what happened next. More conversations. More opportunities. More trust. Ben explains how visibility led directly to business, and how people now approach him because they feel like they already know him. We also talk about his new venture, Find Your Fractional, and how he’s helping others step into that world with more clarity and support. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines with LinkedIn, this episode will give you the nudge you need to get involved.

Guest contact details

Ben Westerby

• Email: ben@westerbyconsultancy.co.uk
• Phone: 07771697857
• Website: https://www.findyourfractional.io/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-westerby/

Here’s the final episode of the BizFest SW Takeover, and it’s a proper mix of insight, energy, and real-world business conversations.

I’m joined by Lisa Bailey-Brown, Jannice Jones, and Rachel Pearce, all of whom are gearing up for Business Fest South West. Each of them brings a completely different perspective, which makes this episode such a good listen. From life-saving innovation to workplace wellbeing and family support, this one covers more than you’d expect in a short space of time.

We get into some important topics. Lisa shares how LifeVac works and why choking emergencies need more awareness, especially when traditional first aid doesn’t always work. Jannice breaks down what businesses are getting wrong when it comes to burnout, neurodiversity, and inclusion, and more importantly, what they can do about it without overcomplicating things. Rachel talks about building a family hub alongside nurseries and why early support for parents is something that’s needed now more than ever. It’s practical, honest, and full of real examples from people actually doing the work.

What I love about this episode is how grounded it is. No fluff, just people who care about what they do and want to make a difference. If you’re heading to BizFest, this gives you a great preview. If you’re not, you’ll still walk away with ideas you can use straight away in your business or life.

Timestamps

00:00 The chaos and energy of going live

00:39 Introducing the guests

01:49 Lisa Bailey-Brown and LifeVac explained

03:08 How the LifeVac device works

04:00 Why first aid is not always enough

05:31 Jannice Jones on neurodiversity and workplace change

07:03 Preventing burnout in business

08:07 Rachel Pearce and the family hub model

10:46 Supporting families beyond childcare

11:27 The bird question

12:01 LifeVac myths and misconceptions

15:58 First aid awareness reality check

17:58 Jannice on EDI and business impact

20:07 Practical ways to avoid burnout

22:07 Rachel’s business journey

24:46 Why they’re attending BizFest

28:20 How to connect with each guest

Connect with Ashley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/Website: https://just.15mins.dayLive & Linking Hub: https://just.15mins.day

Guest contact details

Gavin Harris

Email: gavin.harris@fourfrontevents.co.uk

Website: businessfestsw.co.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Phone: 01726982197

Lisa Bailey-Brown

Email: lisa.bailey-brown@lifevac.uk

Website: www.lifevac.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-b-860949397

Phone: 07306 750736

Rachel Pearce

Email: helloelihouse@outlook.com

Website: www.elihouse.co.uk

Instagram: eli_house_familyhub

Jannice Jones MSc

Email: support@jannicejones.com

Website: https://www.jannicejones.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannicejones-neurodiversity-consultant/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannicejonescoaching/

BizFest SW Takeover – Week 11 | Ethical Sales That Actually Work with Richard Palmer

Tickets for Bizfest - Website: businessfestsw.co.uk

I’m Ashley Leeds, The 15-Minute Guy. I help business owners get more visibility on LinkedIn using simple daily habits that take 15 minutes a day.Want more visibility on LinkedIn (in just 15 minutes a day)? Then get a detailed report to show your strengths and things you may be missing. Take my Visibility Quiz and get a clear plan to improve your profile, content, and daily habit.Visibility Scorecard (start here): https://15mins.day/scoreIf the word sales makes you feel uncomfortable… this episode is for you.

In Week 11 of the BizFest SW Takeover, I’m joined by Richard Palmer, sales trainer, author, and founder of SureTrain and Sales Station.

Richard has spent years helping small business owners learn how to sell without feeling pushy, awkward, or “salesy”.Because here’s the truth.

Most people don’t start a business because they want to sell.They start because they’re passionate about what they do.But if you can’t communicate your value, your business simply won’t grow.In this conversation, Richard breaks down what ethical sales actually means and why the traditional view of selling is completely wrong.

We talk about the simple frameworks that help you have better conversations with clients, qualify the right customers, and turn everyday chats into consistent sales.We also dive into his book The Ethical Sales Handbook, where he shares practical techniques to help business owners sell confidently, ethically, and profitably.If you’re heading to Business Fest South West, Richard is also running a series of masterclasses designed to help small businesses win more work without pressure or gimmicks.

This episode is packed with practical advice you can start using immediately.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and BizFest Takeover Week 11

01:13 Meet Richard Palmer

02:20 Why small businesses struggle with sales

04:25 The Ethical Sales Handbook explained

06:10 The two most important sales questions

09:26 Common sales mistakes business owners make

11:22 Why fear of selling holds businesses back

12:50 The importance of discovery conversations

15:18 Structuring a simple sales process

17:10 Why commitment matters before price

18:50 Should you put prices on your website?

19:02 Presenting your solution the right way

21:50 The most common objections in sales

23:04 Handling “It’s too expensive” properly

25:26 Value vs cost in sales conversations

27:10 Richard’s masterclasses at BizFest SW

30:44 How to connect with Richard

Watch the full episode and learn how to sell in a way that feels natural and authentic..

Guest contact detailsGavin HarrisEmail: gavin.harris@fourfrontevents.co.uk

Phone: 01726982197

Website: businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Richard PalmerEmail: richard@suretrain.co.uk

Phone: 07831172022

Website: https://www.suretrain.co.uk/sales-station

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-palmer-8466144/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://15mins.day/ashleyBook a quick call with me: https://tidycal.com/ashleyleeds/New videos weekly on LinkedIn visibility, content, and small actions that build trust.

This week’s BizFest South West Takeover episode is all about the real stories behind the businesses exhibiting at the event. I’m joined by Steve King from Exec Transfer, Laura Cubeddu from LC Virtual Admin, and Sara Watkins-Schmidt from Rent Assured and Sourced Living.

Each of them is building a business in a very different space, but they all share the same goal. Helping people, growing through networking, and making the most of opportunities like Business Fest South West.

Sara kicks things off by explaining how she built her letting agency from scratch and how the industry is about to change with the incoming Renters Rights Act. She talks about the balancing act between landlords and tenants and why having a knowledgeable agent in the middle matters more than ever. Laura then shares what it really means to be a virtual assistant, why so many business owners are drowning in admin, and how outsourcing even small tasks can free up time to focus on the work that actually grows a business.

We also hear from Steve, who runs Exec Transfer, a chauffeur and executive airport transfer service covering the South West and beyond. From luxury airport runs to multi day trips around the UK, Steve explains what people expect when they book executive transport and why professionalism and presentation matter in his industry. The conversation then shifts to BizFest South West, where all three guests will be exhibiting, and we chat about networking, building relationships before the event, and even what exhibitors should wear to make the right impression.

If you are heading to Business Fest South West or simply curious about how small businesses grow through connections, this is a great conversation to tune into.

Steve King

Email: info@exectransfer.co.uk

Phone: 01392 327777

Website: www.exectransfer.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-king-81041961?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android

Laura Cubeddu

Email: laura@lcvirtualadmin.co.uk

Website: www.lcvirtualadmin.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cubeddu-2157ab354

Sara Watkins-Schmidt

Email: sara.ws@sourced.co

Phone: 07747604665

Website: https://living.sourced.co/rent-assured

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-watkins-schmidt-celap-b90169156/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565741413753

Other: https://www.facebook.com/sourcedpropertygroup

Here’s Week 9 of the BizFest SW Takeover and this one is all about people. The people you network with, the people you sit next to at events, and the people you support when life gets tough. I’m joined by Alistair Gleave from G12 Business Networking, Paul Skinner from Backworld, and Maria Bailey from Grief Specialists as we count down to BizFest SW on 1st April. Three very different businesses, one common theme: relationships matter.

We talk about what makes networking actually work, and why it is not about shoving business cards into hands. Alistair shares how G12 has built a decade of trusted relationships. Paul explains why most of us are working in completely the wrong setup and how small ergonomic changes can stop long term pain. Maria opens up about her personal story of loss and how that led to building a national grief support network that gives people immediate help when they need it most. It is honest, practical and packed with real-world insight.

If you are nervous about networking, thinking about exhibiting, or just want to understand how better conversations lead to better business, this episode will give you plenty to think about. BizFest SW is shaping up to be something special and this chat shows exactly why.

Connect with me here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/

Website: https://just.15mins.day

Live & Linking Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13981378/

This week’s BizFest SW Takeover is full of energy, honesty and proper business chat. I kick things off with Gavin Harris who joins me on his birthday to share the latest BizFest update.

We’re just weeks away, there are fewer than 15 stands left, and the momentum is building fast. We talk about the pre-show networking events, the growth of BizFest South West, and why this is becoming the biggest business show the region has ever seen.

Then I’m joined by three fantastic exhibitors who are bringing something different to the event. Chris Bentley shares why networking should be about human connection, not hard selling. His “not working networking” philosophy flips the traditional expo model on its head.

Ollie O’Meakin dives into leadership and team performance, explaining why culture and psychological safety matter more than another strategy document.

Georgia Parker rounds things off with a powerful reminder that life is too short not to protect your business, your family and your legacy properly.

If you care about relationships, leadership, growth and doing business the right way, this episode is for you. Whether you’re exhibiting, attending or just curious about BizFest SW, you’ll get real insights you can use straight away.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and BizFest update

07:30 Meet the exhibitors

13:58 Leadership and culture insights12:52 Business protection deep dive

27:59 What to expect at BizFest

Connect with Ashley:

I’m Ashley Leeds, The 15-Minute Guy. I help business owners get more visibility on LinkedIn using simple daily habits that take 15 minutes a day.

Want more visibility on LinkedIn (in just 15 minutes a day)?Take my Visibility Scorecard and get a clear plan to improve your profile, content, and daily habit.

Visibility Scorecard (start here): https://15mins.day/scoreConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://15mins.day/ashleyBook a quick call with me: https://tidycal.com/ashleyleeds/

Gavin HarrisEmail: gavin.harris@fourfrontevents.co.ukPhone: 01726982197Website: businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230

Ollie O’MeakinEmail: ollie@revelation-consultancy.comPhone: 07739063458Website: www.revelation-consultancy.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ollie-omeakin/

Chris BentleyEmail: chris@nwclub.co.ukWebsite: nwclub.co.ukWebsite: thenottys.co.ukWebsite: buildingbrands.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbentley4/Instagram: @ccbentos

Georgia ParkerEmail: georgia-parker@life-is-too-short.co.ukWebsite: www.life-is-too-short.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-parker-47349573

Subscribe to the podcast, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and I’ll see you on the next episode.

BizFest SW is building serious momentum… and this week’s takeover proves it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gavin Harris from Business Fest South West, plus three brilliant exhibitors who are getting ready to make an impact this April.

We talk about:

• The race to a sell-out show

• The brand-new 2027 free stand competition

• Why standing out at events actually matters

• Websites that work properly, not just look pretty

• Why translation is about trust, not just tech

• How the Help to Grow programme is backing ambitious SMEs

There is real energy building around this event. New exhibitors signing up weekly. Big conversations happening. And a genuine buzz across the South West business community.

If you are running a business and want better marketing, clearer messaging, stronger systems, or smarter growth strategies, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Watch until the end and let me know in the comments:Are you coming to BizFest SW?

Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/Website: https://just.15mins.dayLive & Linking Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13981378/

Guest contact details

Gavin HarrisEmail - gavin.harris@fourfrontevents.co.ukWebsite - businessfestsw.co.ukLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/gavinharris6230Phone - 01726982197

VirginiaEmail - virgiviso01@gmail.comWebsite - https://viso-communications.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiafdvInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/viso_communications

Diane ReesEmail - d.rees2@exeter.ac.ukPhone - 01392 661000

Nick JacksonEmail - nick@buzzinteractive.co.uk

Bizfest Takeover Wk 6 Sarah, Ricci and Leanda

Get your Bizfest Tickets HEREhttps://bizfestsw.co.uk/

Are you running your business… or is it running you?

In Week 6 of the BizFest South West Takeover, we get into the real stuff business owners are dealing with right now.

Money worries.

Marketing overwhelm.

Event visibility.

And how to stop winging it and start making clearer decisions.

I’m joined by three brilliant business owners who are all exhibiting at BizFest SW 2026 and who genuinely know their stuff.

Leanda Daddow from Celtic Bookkeeping breaks down Making Tax Digital in plain English and explains why knowing your numbers in real time changes everything.

This isn’t about ticking boxes for HMRC. It’s about making better decisions and building a business that supports your life.

Ricci Colla from Those Collaborations talks about early-stage business overwhelm, why so many founders feel stuck, and how clarity beats complexity every time. If you’re spinning plates and not sure what to focus on next, this part will hit home.

Sarah Ralph from Circle HR shares the most common HR mistakes small businesses make without realising it and what you should put in place before things go wrong. Prevention is always cheaper than the fix.

We also talk about BizFest SW, what makes it different, why it’s growing fast, and why you should already be thinking about how you show up at events this year.

Watch this if you want practical advice, straight talking, and a better grip on how your business actually works.

Connect with me on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/

My websitehttps://just.15mins.day

• Email: ricci@thosecollaborations.co.uk

• Phone: 01202 007773

• Website: www.thosecollaborations.co.uk

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/riccicolla

• Email: leanda@celticbookkeeping.co.uk

• Website: https://www.celticbookkeeping.co.uk/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanda-daddow-82a8a195?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aventur_teylu?igsh=MTlja3ZpeDJic2k4dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

• Email: sarah@circlecm.com

• Phone: 01297 533003

• Website: www.circlehr.co.uk

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ralph-790b272a1/